How to Become a Virtual Assistant and Make $3,000+ a Month
Whether you’re looking to start a new career, earn extra money each month, or build your resume, you can do it from the comfort of your own home. While there are plenty of ways to earn cash quickly from your home, there are also ways to establish a full-blow full time career. One particular role that is growing in demand and popularity is the “Virtual Assistant”.
This article will explore what the heck a virtual assistant is, how to become a virtual assistant, and how being a virtual assistant can earn you a salary of over $3,000 a month. Ready? Let’s get started! Thanks in large part to the prevalence of quality Internet connections, the number of people working from home (telecommuting) is on the rise. In fact, according to GlobalWorkplaceAnalytics.com, the number of employees working multiple days from home grew nearly 80% between 2005 and 2012. What’s even more startling, is that that number does not include those that are self-employed.
What?
Before you can properly figure out how to become a virtual assistant, you should understand what exactly a virtual assistant is… and unfortunately, that isn’t the easiest question to answer because virtual assistants can do a slew of various tasks. Here are 20 tasks a virtual assistant may do, and keep in mind, this is just a small sample!
- Data Entry
- Social Media Management (ex. posting on Facebook)
- Copywriting (ex. blog posts)
- Editing (ex. copy, video, or audio)
- Customer Service or Support (ex. answering emails or tickets)
- Scheduling (ex. managing your calendar and setting up appointments)
- Transcription/Typing
- Website Maintenance
- Graphic Design
- Bookkeeping/Accounting
- Website Design
- Research
- Project Management
- Reporting
- Community Building (ex. commenting on blogs or forums)
- Event Planning
- Data Presentations (creating slideshows or graphics from data)
- Sales (ex. following up with leads or prioritizing leads)
- Travel Arrangements
- Paid Ad Management (ex. AdWords)
So, as you can see, the duties and responsibilities that may fall to a virtual assistant are quite varied. Obviously, not all virtual assistants will offer the same set of services.
Before moving forward with the “how to become a virtual assistant” aspect, it is important to ask yourself:
- Which tasks am I qualified to perform?
- Which tasks do I want to offer?
Note: The answer to each question may be different.
For example, you may have a long and successful background in sales, making you more than qualified to assist someone with that aspect of their business; however, you may not find that task rewarding or you may simply want a change. If that is the case, review your resume, considering all education and experience (paid and unpaid), to find other tasks your qualified to do and that are more to your liking.
On the other hand, if there is a service you really want to offer (ex graphic design) because you think the work would be rewarding and interesting but aren’t qualified for, proceed with caution. Consider taking a class or reading books to gain any necessary education. Returning to the graphic design example, you may want to take a class in how to use Photoshop. You should also consider doing some free or discounted work in order to gain valuable experience and build a portfolio. This doesn’t mean you can’t launch your new career as a virtual assistant, you should just be upfront with clients about your lack of experience and offer other services that you are qualified to do.
Jennie says
How do I get started?
Josh says
Very helpful article. This is something I am looking into for at least a little period of time as I take a (hopefully) permanent sabbatical from Corporate. Thanks and I will be referring back to this info again.
Diana Palmentiero says
I have been a virtual assistant for a little over a year now. One way to start is to find people that have businesses that they run from their homes. I now have 3 clients and all run their businesses from their home. You would be surprised how many people are doing that these days. As their businesses have grown, they realize that they don’t have time for the administrative tasks like researching projects, answering basic client emails and writing copy for their newly created websites. I hope this helps. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me at support@illuminarellc.com.
Kelli says
Thanks for sharing, Diana! 🙂
Kelli says
So glad, Josh! 🙂
Samie says
This is well written and has all the required information. I think there is lots of future in VA and more and more people and organizations will start using services from VA. The only requirement is that VAs start marketing their services, mostly through social media campaigns.
Jane says
This is what I’ve had in mind for years, but didn’t know it already existed. I am going to research more and see what happens. Thanks for this article and the advice.
Tiffany Daniels says
Great article!
If this is something I’m interested in, where do I go to get proper training?
Uwais says
Hi
I do not live in the US, so how do I get started
Laureen says
I am interested in becoming a VA here in Michigan. Would like to get some more information on starting my business, please email me at laureen.vollmer@yahoo.com
Thank you!
Marianne says
is it ok to try this when your still a student?
Kelli says
Yes, there are definitely opportunities for students to make money at home. Good luck, Marianne! 🙂 Kelli
Brenda says
Hi Diana, I just came across this article and this seems very interesting. I’m currently a graphic and web designer for a corporate company but not making nearly as much as $3,000! I consider myself a pretty confident tech savvy person. I do a lot of web and vector work, write on the side (could brush up on it a little bit) social media assistance, etc. I do a wide variety at work here but not entirely happy with what I am making. Could you possibly email me more information about your position and what you do from home? Perhaps where I could start, etc? Thanks! my email is brendango77@gmail.com
Jamile says
Can you share how I how do I start the process please? Do I reach out the business owners I know or is there a site that advertises for them? Please share whatever you can. Thank you in advance.
Christy B. says
I am very much interested in this! If there is more information on how to get started, Please E-mail me at christy.bee.70@gmail.com. I would like to get started right away!
Nicole says
I have been working on human resources/customer service handling administrative tasks for 10 plus years. Where I have administered benefits of all kinds with employees. How can I find out how to become a VA. Is there a website?
Sondra says
I love to get started
Rachelle says
Please email me I have questions on how I can start doing this. Thanks!!
kim says
Is it possible you can give me more details on how to start up? Thanks.
Jasmin Henriquez says
Hello, I’d like to start VA in California, could you please email me info how to get started, I’d greatly appreciate it. Thanks.
Kimberly says
Hello. I just came across this article. I was just wondering how to become a virtual assistant. My name is Kimberly. Here’s my email kseymour38@gmail.com.
Ada says
Brenda,
I am very interested in something like this. I have my own art business and I’m an art teacher full time, but need extra income! And let’s face it, art teaching jobs are the first to get cut, so I’m in dire need of something I can fall back on. I need to still be creative but also make money to support my son and I. Let me know how I can get this going.
Thanks,
Ada
Mary A Gibson says
How do I join? marygibs06@gmail.com
Stacey says
Hi Diana – unable to contact you thru link given but am looking to invest some money in starting up a healthcare/assistance company aiding Individuals and seniors with dementia that either for various reasons does not qualify for state assistance and/or only needing minimal guidance or help with ADLs, safety training and/or planning and any other assistance that may be needed to allow a senior citizen to remain in their home and stay as independent for as long as they can avoiding the hard and sometimes the horrible demise alot endure by transitioning into a nursing facility or home , and need help with research in doing so if you could provide any information towards my goal in helping our golden ones of our time please email me at Staceybaker41@gmail.com. Thank you and God bless
Rimah says
I have a question about the attorney and figuring out the whole taxes. I’ve been wanting to do this for a while, but I don’t know where to start.
Shery says
Hi This is really interesting. could u pls e mail me how to become a virtual assistant . also m not living in USA. my email shereen.fernando@gmail.com
Stefan Ciancio says
A lot of people spend hundreds of hours over the internet to know how to earn money online. I agree with you in monetizing skills. You can really do a lot to earn money online. I would say if any new individual who would like to make many online starts to reads this informative article I am sure he is heading to get to to a big position since he save hours in research. Very Informative:)
Kelli says
Thanks for sharing, Stefan. 🙂 Kelli
Erica says
Hi,
I lost my full-time job as an admin assistant in 2011. I have not been able to find full-time work since then and can barely find part-time work that will pay good here in NYC. Also because I have no college degree(despite having over 25 years of hands-on experience)I cannot find anything worthwhile. All of that being said, what is the best way to contract yourself to businesses as a VA? I have been considering doing this for quite some time, but I have no time for nonsense and want to do it right. Thanks so much for the great article!
Kelli says
Hi Erica, I recommend looking into sites like Freelancer to find good reputable jobs. Hope that helps! 🙂 Kelli
Jennifer Buchholtz says
Hi my name is Jennifer and I am a mom to a 6 year old and 30 month old. I worked as an Engineering Assistant for both a Telecommunications company and a trailer manufacturer. I have an Associates degree in Office Technology and Computer Systems Technology. I currently am a Patient Account Rep for a healthcare company. Looking for something where I can be home.
Eva North says
Good morning all, I’ve just found this site and this post off of pinterest. I too am looking to do VA work, I live in Michigan, but I’m looking for work I can perform as a VA whether kids are in school or not and whether hubby is home, such as internet resesarch, patient advocate, stuff like that. I’m currently a stay at home mom and would greatly appreciate any suggestions, help, advice. I can be reached at haskids2009@gmail.com.
Taysha says
Please let me know more to get started
Kelli says
Hi Taysha, There are lots of online resources for virtual assistant positions and freelance work. I like fiverr and upwork. Hope that helps! 🙂 Kelli